Grand Forks, ND
Population 58,882 · North Dakota
About Grand Forks, ND
Grand Forks is a mid-sized city located in North Dakota with a population of 58,882 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $63,838 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 29.4 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Grand Forks features a median home value of $243,300, which is 1% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Grand Forks in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $958, 18% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 27,897 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (12,045 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (13,849 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Grand Forks shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Grand Forks have an average one-way commute time of 14.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
39.2% of Grand Forks residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.2% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 6.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Grand Forks Ranks in North Dakota
Cost of Living in Grand Forks, ND
Compared to national averages, Grand Forks has a median household income of $63,838 (15% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $243,300, which is 1% below the national median. Monthly rent at $958 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within North Dakota, Grand Forks's income is 12% below the state average of $72,691, and home values are 74% above the state median of $139,496.
Why Live in Grand Forks, ND?
Grand Forks offers affordable housing with a median home value of $243,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $958/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 39.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 14.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($63,838) that falls below the national average. However, as a mid-sized city, Grand Forks provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Grand Forks has a population of 58,882 with a median age of 29.4 years. Compare Grand Forks with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in North Dakota.
Similar Cities Near Grand Forks
Cities in North Dakota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minot | 47,922 | $77,431 | $254,400 | Compare |
| Bismarck | 74,146 | $77,608 | $291,400 | Compare |
| West Fargo | 39,325 | $96,877 | $302,200 | Compare |
| Williston | 27,964 | $84,309 | $262,700 | Compare |
| Dickinson | 25,216 | $76,964 | $252,400 | Compare |
| Mandan | 24,293 | $75,966 | $246,300 | Compare |
| Jamestown | 15,774 | $54,809 | $192,500 | Compare |
| Wahpeton | 7,996 | $57,417 | $164,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in North Dakota
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Grand Forks With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Forks
What is the population of Grand Forks, ND?
The population of Grand Forks, ND is 58,882 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in North Dakota.
What is the median household income in Grand Forks?
The median household income in Grand Forks, ND is $63,838 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Grand Forks?
The median home value in Grand Forks, ND is $243,300, which is 1% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Grand Forks?
The median monthly rent in Grand Forks, ND is $958, which is 18% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Grand Forks?
The unemployment rate in Grand Forks, ND is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Grand Forks, ND a good place to live?
Grand Forks offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 58,882 and a median age of 29.4, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Grand Forks, ND?
39.2% of residents in Grand Forks aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Grand Forks?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Grand Forks, ND: median home value is $243,300 (1% below national), median rent is $958/month, and median household income is $63,838. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Grand Forks?
The poverty rate in Grand Forks, ND is 16.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Grand Forks, ND?
Grand Forks's population is 3.2% White, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 4.0% two or more races. 6.6% of residents are foreign-born.